2003 Saab 9-3
| MSRP: | $25,995 - $39,995 |
| Invoice: | $24,524 - $37,395 |
| Total: | 21 reviews |
| Overall: |
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| Performance: | |
| Appearance: | |
| Build Quality: |  |
| Excellent | 12 reviews | |
| Very Good | 8 reviews | |
| Average | 1 reviews | |
| Poor | 0 reviews | |
| Terrible | 0 reviews |
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CarGurus' Review
The Saab 9-3 was completely overhauled for 2003, as the GM-owned Swedish automaker unveiled an entirely new build platform and body styles, updated power plants, and a fully redesigned interior. The trim levels were also renamed, and the number of 9-3 variants was reduced from five to four.
The 9-3 SE Convertible is the only familiar name in the 2003 lineup, and it is only only available version of the convertible body. The coupe has been discontinued entirely. The five-door hatchback body has been replaced with a true four-door sedan, which is offered in three trim levels. The base model is called the Linear, followed by the mid-level Arc and the top tier Vector.
The 2.0 liter inline four returns as the foundation for the 9-3's turbocharged power plants, but two new variations of this engine are less powerful than before. The Linear's 2.0 delivers 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0 liter unit in both the Arc and Vector models supplies 210 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The SE Convertible houses the same 205 horsepower engine. The convertible and the Linear sedan come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and the four-speed automatic is still optional on the SE. The Arc and Vector get a six-speed manual. All sedans are eligible for a new five-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is estimated at 22/31 for the sedans and 22/32 mpg for the SE Convertible.
Unfortunately, according to owners, the total redesign did not address the 9-3's questionable reliability and poor ergonomics. Reviewers noted that the interior was significantly modernized, but the poorly designed dash-mounted cup holders remained. Drivers described them as useless, flimsy and poorly placed. Owners also warned about frequent maintenance. Common issues included excessive brake wear, radiator and transmission problems and a variety of nagging electrical issues. However, others have added that the 9-3 is quite powerful for a car that achieves 30+ mpg gas mileage, and despite some continued turbo lag, the 9-3 is regarded as fun to drive.
Reviews you can trust
| Excellent | 12 reviews | |
| Very Good | 8 reviews | |
| Average | 1 reviews | |
| Poor | 0 reviews | |
| Terrible | 0 reviews |
“A New One With Warranty Is The Way To Go. A 2003 Convert. W/80k Miles For $7k Is A Good Deal”
I purchased a used 93 SE 2003 convert. extermely cool smooth drive. Almost no engine noise or vibes... SID was gone when I bought it, so can't complain, but I do want to replace that. Internal and ... More
“Saab”
Comfortable, yet quick! Has given no problems since purchased, and is still as good performance wise. Nice leather seats, aircon, and of course, it's very safe. Would prefer a little more fuel economy... More
“It Was A Great Car. Too Bad I Couldnt Keep It”
This was a great car. It was very nice. I had a leather interior. The power was very nice. It was only a 4 cylinder but it had a turbo and it could move. I had it up to 130 mph once and it rode v... More
“High Maintenance But Worth It...fun To Drive!”
This is my first SAAB. I was a JEEP girl before this. Both can be pretty high maintenance but I definitely have a different relationship with this car and the mechanics who work on her. Mostly it's ju... More
“It's A Great Car Gets Awesome Mpg No Real Trouble.”
low to ground, easy to scrape, Good mpg, lasts forever, sturdy build, attractive, fun to drive, has good get up and go. great handling More
“Saab Sportsaloon”
awesome car! overall aperance is good and the car feels good to drive. it has stunning handling and good performance after i installed a maptun stage 3 kit. the car is quite slow as stock but the good... More
“My Car”
nice body. really nice to drive and ok to repair. made in sweden, in trollhättan. Does not use too much gas. nice to drive in long trips. Pretty easy to load the bags when you are giong somewhere. ... More
“03 Saab 9-3 ”
Aside from the all the insignificant of electrical problems, the car is really decent. I'm not much for four door sedans but the look is alright. The car drives just fine and gets really good gas mile... More
“Love The Car But Would Need A Second Car For When Its In The Garage”
owning this car brings out a lot of mixed feeling. mostly i love the car but there are a lot of things that make me question that love. its a very fun drive from how it handels to its highway pick up,... More
“Amazing I Love It”
I love my car it drives super smooth and has great acceleration, best purchase ever!!!! :-) The service guys are great and really care about the cars. It is also low maintenance and gets amazing milea... More
2003 Saab 9-3 Trims
| MSRP: | $30,090 |
| Invoice: | $28,387 |
| MSRP: | $25,995 |
| Invoice: | $24,524 |
| MSRP: | $39,995 |
| Invoice: | $37,395 |
| MSRP: | $32,590 |
| Invoice: | $30,677 |
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